For the Best Banana Bread, Add This Pantry Ingredient

Banana bread has always been one of my favorite things to bake. It calls for easy-to-find pantry ingredients, comes together in a flash, and fills my kitchen with the most delicious aroma. Of course, it’s also a great way to use up those overripe bananas that always seem to be lingering on my countertop.

I’ve experimented with all sorts of banana bread recipes over the years, but I return to my mom’s straightforward recipe. Although the recipe packs plenty of warm spices—including ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon—I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something that could take this tasty recipe to the next level. And then I found it: cinnamon sugar.

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar (If It’s Not Already in Your Pantry)

One day, when I was enjoying cinnamon toast for breakfast, I was struck with inspiration. Cinnamon sugar belongs on banana bread. It adds sweetness, warmth, and just the right amount of crunch to the crust. Genius!

If you don’t already have cinnamon sugar on hand, you can easily make it by combining granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. I tend use Vietnamese (or Saigon) cinnamon, which has a bolder and sweeter flavor than other varieties of Cassia cinnamon. However, any type of ground cinnamon will do.

The most commonly used ratio to make cinnamon sugar is one part cinnamon to four parts granulated sugar. (For a small supply of cinnamon sugar, use one tablespoon of ground cinnamon and a quarter cup of granulated sugar.) Stir to combine, then store at room temperature in an airtight container, such as a small mason jar.

How To Add Cinnamon Sugar to Banana Bread

When adding cinnamon sugar to banana bread, you have a few options. The easiest way—and the one I use the most—is to simply sprinkle the top of the batter with a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar, making sure the exposed batter is completely covered, before popping the pan in the oven.

An alternative is to also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the bottom and sides of the greased loaf pan before adding the batter, which will adhere to the crust.

If you’re feeling extra decadent, you can swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. After adding half the batter to the pan, sprinkle a layer of cinnamon sugar, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to swirl the batter down the center of the pan. Top the batter with a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar before baking.

Whichever way cinnamon sugar is added to banana bread, this small upgrade will add big flavor to your next loaf.